Bengals offseason rosterology: Defensive linemen

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97), center is helped off the field by Jermaine Gresham (84, and Alex Smith (81)) after being injured against the Miami Dolphins.(Photo: Gary Landers / The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Starter: Despite the loss of Atkins midway through the season the defensive line still thrived as the backbone of the third-ranked defense in the NFL. Dunlap signed a contract extension but played with the hunger of a man chasing his next deal tying for the team lead in sacks (7.5). Johnson's sack number dropped from 11.5 to 3.5, but his total number of pressures and batted passes rose. Domata Peko continued to play solid at defensive tackle while holding down the leadership role in the room.

Backups: Gilberry continues to prove one of the stealthiest signings in recent Bengals history. He tied for the team lead in sacks (7.5) and was invaluable moving inside and outside once Atkins went down. Thompson played well filling in for Atkins, passing Still in the process. Still battled through injury to only play in 10 games without a start. Hunt's first season saw more playing time than expectedfor the second-round project, but no major impact.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Carlos Dunlap (6-foot-6, 280 pounds) and Michael Johnson (6-7, 270) tied for the NFL lead in batted passes with seven apiece. Not only did those two combine for 14 batted passes, only nine other players in the NFL even managed more than two knockdowns.

FREE AGENCY OUTLOOK

Johnson rates as one of the top three non-franchised free agents available on lists by CBSSports.com, Pro Football Talk, Sports Ilustrated and about any other ranking available. Teams will throw cash at him. With the depth at defensive line behind Johnson and extensions due for A.J. Green and Vontaze Burfict in the near future, finding a way to make the money work in Cincinnati would be a challenge. Considering $55 million went to Atkins and $40 million to Dunlap last year, piling that much money into one position also wouldn't fit overall financial dispersal.

DRAFT OUTLOOK

Peko enters the last year of his deal and question marks still exist around Still, who will feel pressure to perform come training camp. Defensive tackles Aaron Donald (Pitt) and Louis Nix III (Notre Dame) could be fits if they slipped in the first round. If Johnson bolts, a defensive end like Kony Ealy (Missouri) could be a tempting selection as a big body DE at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds.

STATUS IMPOSING

The question with this group surrounds if Johnson will return as one of the league's top free agents. He'll test the market commanding big dollars. Even if he leaves – which appears more likely than not at this point – the depth of this position holds as one of the strongest on the team. Dunlap, Atkins, Gilberry, Peko and Thompson fill out a formidable front, but the evolution of Hunt could prove the game-changer. He showed glimpses of what his unique athleticism could bring at the end of last season and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther plans on spending individual time working with Hunt during the offseason.

CONFIDENCE RANKING FOR 2014 SEASON

One. Of the nine position groups, this one ranks first. Even if Johnson departs, you won't find more depth, talent and leadership. This group is the heart of the team.